Raddish Kids, the popular kids culinary kit, is offering families free Cupid-themed cooking kits that they can gift to someone special, because it’s way more rad to share free food kits than Covid. And let’s be honest––they’re a lot cooler than that box of Valentine’s Day cards you keep meaning to pick up at the store (but forgetting).
Twenty thousand kits will be available for families to gift at raddishkids.com/radlove at 10 a.m. PST on Feb. 4th. For every kit gifted, Raddish will donate $1 to World Central Kitchen, an organization dedicated to nourishing communities in times of crisis and beyond.
Raddish Kids is no stranger to mixing it up with a little love. When schools closed in 2020, Raddish gave away 50,000 cooking kits to families in an effort to provide engaging activities for children. And, this month’s free giftable experience is part of Raddish Kids’ “Food is Love” campaign, which gives you access to a digital calendar with activities and recipes your kids can make to show love and kindness throughout the month. Even to their siblings.
Expecting? Congrats! Also: you might want to think about one last trip as a couple before the bundle of joy arrives, AKA, a “babymoon.” We’ve scouted the best babymoon destinations near NYC, many of which offer babymoon packages and are a short car or train ride away! Here’s where you can get away from it all and rest up for the big day (and nights).
For Art Deco Details in Greenwich Village
Walker Greenwich Village
Book a room with a deep soaking tub and balcony to retreat from every single thing on your to-do list. Best of all, the Walker Greenwich Village is just a quick subway ride away. Tucked on 13th Street, this art deco-inspired boutique hotel exudes peace, calm and tranquility. Plan to dine at the hotel’s Society Café and be sure to ask for a banquette table near the skylights and relish in an oh-so-peaceful meal.
Room rates start at $295/night
52 W. 13th St. Greenwich Village 212-375-1300 Online: walkerhotels.com
For a Waterside Retreat in Connecticut
Delamar Greenwich Harbor
In less than an hour on Metro North, you can be whisked away to the Delamar Hotel in Greenwich, Connecticut, tucked right on the picturesque Greenwich Harbor and a quick walk from the train. The deluxe property offers full spa services and a gorgeous marina to stroll. While you’re in town, don’t miss shopping along Greenwich Avenue or a fascinating visit to the nearby Bruce Museum, both of which are within walking distance from the front desk.
The minute you inhale 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge’s delish pumped-in scent in this greenery-filled lobby, you’ll immediately exhale the stresses you’ve been under lately. Be sure take a long stroll around the waterfront and save room for pizza (Juliana’s, Grimaldi’s and L&B Spumoni Gardens is opening soon) and ice cream (Ample Hills and Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory) as every one of these epic local faves are located within a few blocks of the front desk. And, sure, the rooftop pool is full of micro bikini-wearing singles but, if you head up to the roof early for a dip—since let’s face it you probably can’t reset your mom clock just because you’re not sleeping in your own bed—you may just end up having the infinity pool and breathtaking views of the downtown skyline—pretty much all to yourself.
Room rates start at $399/night
60 Furman St. 347-696-2500 DUMBO Online: 1hotels.com
Hop aboard Amtrak for a gorgeous two-hour trip along the mighty Hudson before pulling into Hudson, the ultra-chic river town boasting eight blocks of antiquing, boutique-ing, and excellent coffee along Warren Street. At the Hudson Whaler, you’re steps from the funkiest shops around (just be sure to visit later in the week as many shops are closed mid-week). Once you check in, you’ll feel right at home—and you might never want to leave—thanks to original details from local artists, a super-luxe spa tub and a bed you will sink right into.
Tip: While you’re in town, be sure to stop in for books (or an ale) at Spotty Dog and have dinner at Wunder Bar Bistro, just a few blocks away from the hotel’s front door.
Room rates start at $169/night weekdays, $349/night on weekends
Not everyone wants to lounge the days away, even during the last "solo" trip. The William Vale is another hyper-local option, and there is always something going on here, from fun rooftop programming to art installations and more. (The neighborhood is also, obviously, a place where it's hard to run out of things to do and see.) When you are ready to chill, take advantage of the heavenly-scented Le Labo amenities, your private balcony with prime city views and breakfast from the hotel's Leuca — which, of course, you can enjoy in bed if you like!
Some people will tell you you're going to end up here eventually, so why not hop aboard New Jersey Transit and check in 45 minutes later at the MC Hotel in Montclair, located right in the heart of this buzzing village. The hotel boasts an impressive on-site art collection and is home to the town’s only rooftop bar with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Don’t forget to pop into Allegory, the hotel’s ground-level restaurant, for "clean, healthy cooking" featuring locally sourced ingredients from the Montclair Farmers’ Market.
Hop a train or car ride to the Hudson Valley for rest and relaxation at this NYC-area favorite getaway. In under two hours, you could be relaxing and taking in breathtaking views from the Mohonk Mountain House. (The resort offers specials during the fall for people making the most of the incredible foliage displays.) This Victorian castle surrounded by 40,000 acres of forest is the place to recharge in nature, enjoy farm-to-table cuisine and get a treatment or two at the award-winning spa.
Room rates start at $700
1000 Mountain Rest Rd. New Paltz, NY 845-765-3286 Online: www.mohonk.com
For a Historic Mansion on Long Island's Gold Coast
Oheka Castle
Nestled between New York City and the Hamptons, you will find Oheka Castle. This historic property is a romantic venue that is popular for weddings, but it's also a deluxe spot for a getaway. Oheka is a quick train or car ride from NYC, but feels like a world away! (Or at least a French chateau.) Inquire about their “Last Night of Sleep” package ($975) which features a three-course dinner, an in-room massage, tour of the castle and more.
Room rates start at $250 for a weekday rate
135 West Gate Dr. Huntington, NY 631-659-1400 Online: www.oheka.com
For a Quick & Convenient Country Visit
Garden City Hotel
If you feel like you need some fresh air, a speedy LIRR train ride to the Garden City Hotel, located across the street from the Garden City LIRR station, doesn’t disappoint. After an afternoon spent reading a book on an Adirondack chair on the property’s seven-acre lawn, a stroll through the quaint village, dinner at David Burke’s Red Salt Room and a night of deep sleep in a luxurious room, you’ll feel restored for whatever your new babe may bring.
Pass the slime! Bring out your inner child (and delight your own kids) with the new Sour Berry Slime topping from Baskin-Robbins. Yes, it looks like green slime and yes, you can put it on any scoop or shake.
For slime times in June, just ask to add it to your ice cream for 99 cents, or take a bottle of slime home for $6.99! You can also grab the Flavor of the Month, Summertime Lime, with tart candy flavors to combat the hottest days. It might look questionable, but it’s delicious!
“Baskin-Robbins is bringing out the kid in all of us this summer with the introduction of delicious and edible Sour Berry Slime, paired with the ultimate, tangy Summertime Lime Flavor of the Month, perfect for any hot summer day,” said Shannon Blakely, Vice President of Marketing & Culinary, Baskin-Robbins.
If you’re a kid of the ’90s you’re likely thinking of Figure It Out on Nickelodeon right about now. No word on whether Baskin-Robbins slime is pourable enough to recreate that game show moment, but no judgment if you decide to find out.
You don’t need an excuse to want to experience 27 miles of brilliant white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. But if you do happen to have a special occasion on the horizon, Panama City beach is a top spot to celebrate. From big birthdays to festive holidays, PCB is the perfect getaway for marking a milestone.
Start planning your dream getaway at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com!
Milestone Events
A vacation is a great way to celebrate a big birthday, graduation or family reunion. With over 17,500 places to stay, it’s easy to find a location to accommodate your group. During the day, spend quality time enjoying boat tours, hitting the waves on jet skis, biking through gorgeous national parks, reaching new heights while parasailing and taking a dive to explore marine life. With so many awesome outdoor activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone in your crew to do together. Fun photo tip: if you’re in PCB for the big 4-0, be sure to take a celebratory pic under the Pier 40 boardwalk entrance.
For an unforgettable evening gathering, book a beachside bonfire in the sand as the sun goes down. Endless Rentals can set up your very own pop-up party with a firepit, chairs, s’mores, and tables in the sand.
Visiting for couples-only escape? (Hint hint: big anniversaries are the perfect time to ask grandparents to babysit!). Spend leisurely days hanging out on the beach, seeing the sights on a pontoon boat and winding down with a sunset cruise.
A BFF Retreat
After a year of hunkering down at home and major burnout from managing virtual school, a trip with your best friends may be just what you need to recharge. (Peace out, leggings… hello, warm weather wardrobe.) Rent a house or stay at a resort with your crew—sans kids and spouses. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, taking a rejuvenating hike, sipping cocktails as the sun sets, enjoying delicious dinners and staying out way past your bedtime for dancing and music.
Extra Special Holidays
Sometimes the best holiday gift is a vacation (in which winter coats are a distant memory). Panama City Beach is a wonderful place to create traditions your family will remember forever. Check out PBC’s Beach Home for the Holidays events for information on tree lightings, concerts, Santa and Mrs. Claus sightings and more.
Culinary and Cocktail Celebrations
The return of UNwineD is an excellent reason to toast. This annual culinary festival is set to take place in Aaron Bessant Park on June 4-5. The weekend kicks off with a VIP garden party hosted by Southern Living. During Saturday’s Grand Afternoon Tasting, guests will sample cocktails, craft beer, wine and delicious food from the area’s leading chefs. Be sure to bring a picnic blanket and chairs to enjoy a laid-back afternoon in the park.
And Just Because…
No matter the occasion, wind your day down at Schooners, known for its casual vibe and great food. Each night as the sun sets, they fire an old cannon to commemorate another beautiful beach day and kick off an evening of fun.
Make your big day even more special with a family trip to Panama City Beach! Get everything you need to book your trip at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Dunkin’! The fave donut brand brought back its limited time holiday menu—and it includes two delectable drinks.
Treat your sweetie, or yourself, to a Pink Velvet Macchiato or Mocha Macchiato on Valentine’s Day. The Pink Velvet Macchiato combines Dunkin’s espresso with a red velvet cake flavor. Add in hints of cream cheese icing flavor and a generous scoop of ice and this chilled drink is a beverage that will make you fall in love. Mocha Macchiato offers the combo of rich espresso and deep chocolate flavors.
According to Jill Nelson, Vice President, Marketing & Culinary at Dunkin’, “Dunkin’ is the perfect place for anyone to find the spirit of Valentine’s Day. With our gorgeous Pink Velvet and Mocha Macchiatos, joined together with our beloved heart-shaped donuts, we’re making it easy to treat yourself and bring a little love and sweetness to any way you choose to celebrate.”
Along with the two limited-edition drinks, Dunkin’ is also serving up a heart-shaped Brown Batter Donut and the Bavarian Kreme-filled, strawberry icing-topped Cupid’s Choice Donut.
Look for the Valentine’s Day menu in participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide through the end of February.
With many restaurants closed and people still taking careful precautions during the coronavirus pandemic, Valentine’s Day dinner is going to look different. But by now, we’re used to it and this creative option from Cozymeal makes staying in fun.
Purveyor of online cooking classes, Cozymeal is offering some limited-time Valentine’s Day classes that will up your Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or virtual date night game. The platform has the largest collection of virtual experiences that include cooking, mixology, wine tastings and more, that are all hosted by world-class culinary professionals, starting at $29.
photo: Courtesy of Cozymeal
Looking for something more on the fun side? You’ll want to check out Cozymeal’s pop-culture inspired classes. You can recreate favorite dishes from films and shows that include The Crown, Sex & The City, The Mandalorian (and those galactic macarons pictured above!), Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and more.
Each online offering shares the ingredients and kitchen equipment you’ll need so you’ll be prepared for the big day. Not only that, you can add ingredients directly from Cozymeal to your virtual shopping list and submit to your favorite grocery delivery service. Dinner is served!
To check out all the experiences available, head to cozymeal.com.
To kick off 2021, Dunkin’ is adding a new on-the-go plant-based option to its menu. The brand is teaming up with America’s #1 veggie brand, MorningStar Farms, to launch the Southwest Veggie Power Breakfast Sandwich, a flavorful, meatless sandwich choice available at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide for a limited time. The new sandwich follows the introduction of the Beyond Sausage Breakfast Sandwich in 2019 and Planet Oat Oatmilk in 2020.
Dunkin’ continues to give on-the-go consumers more ways to easily make plant-based food and beverages part of their day. Following the success of last year’s Beyond Sausage Breakfast Sandwich launch, the brand is beginning 2021 by adding another plant-based protein patty to its menu, teaming up with America’s #1 veggie brand, MorningStar Farms, to launch the new Southwest Veggie Power Breakfast Sandwich, a flavorful, meatless sandwich that doesn’t sacrifice on taste, now available for a limited time at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide.
The Southwest Veggie Power Breakfast Sandwich features a MorningStar Farms Black Bean Patty packed with southwest flavors, layered with an egg white omelet filled with spinach, bell peppers, and onions, topped with aged white cheddar cheese, served on a multigrain thin. With 410 calories, 26 grams of protein, and 23 grams of whole grains, the new sandwich is the perfect on-the-go option for a new year and a new start.
For Dunkin’s most loyal guests, the brand has made it simple to start 2021 with a plant-based change of pace. Now through Jan. 26, Dunkin’ is giving its DD Perks members 2X points with purchases of the Southwest Veggie Power Breakfast Sandwich, Beyond Sausage Breakfast Sandwich, or a creamy and delicious Oatmilk Latte*.
According to Jill Nelson, Vice President, Marketing & Culinary at Dunkin’, “Dunkin’ is proud to expand our plant-based offerings with the introduction of the new Southwest Veggie Power Breakfast Sandwich to meet the needs of our guests and provide the flexitarian and vegetarian options they crave to keep running any time of day.”
“This sandwich is really exciting for MorningStar Farms because it delivers a veggie-centric option for Dunkin’ guests, giving them a great plant-based protein patty,” said Dara Schuster, Senior Director of Marketing, Plant Based Protein at Kellogg Company. “The sandwich has a kick of heat from the MorningStar Farms Black Bean Patty, offering a flavorful breakfast sandwich that packs 26 grams of protein and celebrates real recognizable ingredients. Flexitarian eating is on the rise and we’re thrilled to deliver new menu items that can satisfy everyone.”
Heading into the new year, people could use a little extra encouragement, extra energy and extra excitement. Dunkin’ is taking charge, brewing the extra boost everyone needs to tackle 2021 and get things done. Dunkin’ today announced the addition of Extra Charged Coffee to its menu, packing 20% more caffeine than Dunkin’s classic Hot and Iced Coffee, while delivering the same great taste.
Dunkin’ Midnight: New Dunkin’ Midnight is the brand’s darkest roast ever, featuring a rich, smooth, full-bodied flavor, rounded out with notes of decadent cocoa and an intensely dark finish. Dunkin’ Midnight joins the beloved Original Blend and Dunkin’ Decaf as a permanent addition to the brand’s coffee lineup.
Explorer Batch: The first coffee blend to be introduced as part of Dunkin’s new Limited Batch Series, Explorer Batch is a medium roast featuring dark berry notes, rounded out with a smoky finish. To craft its unique Explorer Batch, Dunkin’ sourced beans from four highly regarded coffee regions, including Colombia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Sumatra. Explorer Batch will be available for a limited time, with new Limited Batch Series coffees to be introduced throughout the year.
Available at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide beginning Dec. 30, Extra Charged Coffee, served hot or iced, features green coffee extract that gives coffee drinkers an extra boost with 20% more caffeine. For an extra incentive to try the brand’s buzziest new beverage, Dunkin’ will be offering Medium Extra Charged Coffee for $2 through Jan. 26.
“Since opening our doors more than 70 years ago, Dunkin’ has served a superior cup of coffee. Now, for the first time in our history, we’re offering the boldest and most diverse assortment of blends and customization options to fuel a new era of coffee at Dunkin’,” said Jill Nelson, Vice President, Marketing & Culinary at Dunkin’. “From the darkest roast in our portfolio to the most caffeinated hot and iced coffee varieties, we are more committed than ever to keeping Americans running on Dunkin’ in 2021.”
In a new year filled with new brews, coffee lovers can find the perfect Dunkin’ drink to match their mood, and perhaps, a little something extra. From Dec. 30 through Jan. 31, the My Dunkin’ Mood Quiz will ask questions that help gauge guests’ vibes, and then recommend one of the brand’s coffee beverages that can best fuel them through the day. Everyone who participates can enter to win one of five amazing prizes, including Dunkin’ coffee for a year, $5,000 in cash, and more.
Dunkin’ will continue to surprise fans with a little something extra throughout the month of January, so they should stay tuned for updates on the Dunkin’ App and the brand’s social channels.
To bring a little sweetness to help ring in the New Year, Dunkin’ has a fun new donut to pair with its new coffee options. The new Dunkfetti Donut features a cake donut ring with special celebration confetti sprinkles baked within, and topped with a sweet glaze. For more information about this new limited time donut and other snacks being served at Dunkin’ in January, including a Gluten-Free Fudge Brownie and Croissant Stuffers, please see here.
Do your kids love to create in the kitchen? Now Raddish Kids is making it easier. The award-winning kids’ culinary subscription box is focused on giving back this holiday season with two new initiatives, The Raddish Scholarship Program and The Raddish “12 Days of Giving” Campaign.
“At Raddish, we believe in the power of food to instill confidence, bring families together, build communities, expand conversation, and strengthen relationships,” said Samantha Barnes, Founder of Raddish Kids. “We’re thrilled to partner with like-minded companies and organizations to make an impactful difference in the lives of others through the simple act of cooking and the comfort of food.”
The Raddish Scholarship Program was created for children who have expressed a desire and zest to learn to cook but lack the resources to do so. Challenge Butter has partnered with Raddish to provide the necessary groceries and tools for the scholarship winners.
Each honoree will receive:
– A year-long subscription to Raddish (beginning Jan. 2021 and ending Dec. 2021)
– Monthly virtual cooking classes with a Raddish Culinary Coach
– A grocery stipend of $500, provided by Challenge Butter
– A year’s supply of Challenge Butter
Applications for the Raddish Scholarship are available at www.raddishkids.com/scholarship and must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2020. Selected recipients will be notified in early January.
Also, beginning Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1, 2020) and through the first 12 days of December, Raddish will donate 10% of each purchase made on Raddishkids.com (up to $10,000) to World Central Kitchen. World Central Kitchen has activated hundreds of restaurants and kitchens across America to distribute more than 30 million meals (and growing) to communities that need support like students and frontline medical professionals. More details are available at http://www.raddishkids.com/givingtuesday.
These initiatives are the most recent among a list of efforts made by Raddish Kids to help those in need. In March, Raddish gave away 50,000 free cooking kits to support families suddenly homeschooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This past summer, Raddish donated 100% of sales of a vintage e-kit (more than $10,000) to the #ChefsForAmerica program at World Central Kitchen.
Regardless of where you’re planning to spend your holidays, one thing will not be different this year. People will be hungry, and you’re probably playing a major role in feeding those mouths! Keep reading for our favorite Atlanta food bloggers for recipe inspo.
Sweet Savant
Chef Demetra Overton shares the lessons she's learned from cooking and entertaining professionally since 1995 with her readers at Sweet Savant. Having worked for reknown restaurants, such as Tappan Hill in Tarrytown, NY and The Ritz-Carlton hotel in Buckhead, Demetra is also a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. Explore her inspirations—from local farms, markets and fellow chefs—get her honest product reviews, helpful tips, and of course, recipes, on Sweet Savant.
This Buford-based food blogger serves up heaping helpings of homestyle-recipes that are as simple as they are hearty. A grandmother herself, blogger Lana Stuart knows how to please a crowd at the dinner table—and at the kids' table! With recipes for every meal, plus bonus recipes for canning and preserving, beverages, and desserts, you can plan an entire holiday weekend by digging into her archives.
Erica is an award-winning Atlanta-based blogger with a passion for all things dining, entertaining, and food. From her original foray into the Atlanta dining scene, Erica has since branched out into a blog with recipes, dinner party inspiration, and a line of custom candles. We particularly like her cocktail recipes, just in case you're looking for a few ideas for the upcoming months.
Blogger Shashi believes that eating-in can be tastier, healthier, cheaper and, most days of the week, spicier than what you might normally plan for. Many of her recipes are quick and easy vegetarian options—with plenty of curries to try—with a few indulgent ones thrown in, for good measure.
Lindsay Conchar is an author, photographer and recipe developer who provides tried-and-true recipes for all your favorite desserts—from cakes and cheesecakes to cookies and brownies. You’ll even find a sprinkling of appetizers, meals and cocktails on her website.
You'll find Kimberly Stroh at the helm of Savvy Mama Lifestyle, where the mom of two boys dishes on family-friendly recipes, along with traveling as a family, Disney and handy hacks for the Millennial Mom. We're really loving her recipe for Pumpkin Fluff Dip.
Chef Megan McCarthy incorporates nutritious Superfoods into an everyday healthy eating lifestyle in her approachable recipes. She is also the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Edible Garden Chef, creating culinary delights freshly harvested right out of the edible garden. Meet her in person as she teaches her healthy cooking and lifestyle classes at Whole Foods Markets, The Cook’s Warehouse and Specialty Stores in Georgia.
Chef Melissa Pelkey Hass offers a collection of great recipes with a side of humor on her blog, The Front Porch Gourmet. You'll find everything from grilled lobster with burrata caprese salad inspiration to a made-from-scratch take on classic Spaghetti-Os.
Allyson Zea is a Domestic Superhero who earned her stripes in the kitchen during college, when she was a nanny for a family of 4—and was responsible for making dinner every night. Now, you'll find everything from easy, no fuss meal ideas to fancy with all the frills recipes on her blog, along with travel ideas and ongoing home project files.
